Germany announces action on nutrient pollution of water

Issue:

Germany’s Federal Cabinet has announced that the country’s fertiliser ordinance is to be reformed in order to drastically reduce over-fertilization and to limit the exposure of groundwater to nitrates.

The new Fertiliser Ordinance would extend the times during which fertilizer cannot be applied, and increase the distance from water within which fertilizers can be applied. Biogas plant residuals should be included in the calculation of the maximum of nitrogen allowed (170 kg/ha). Germany’s Länder (counties) will need to set out additional measures where necessary in areas with high nitrates. This applies also to regions where standing or slow-flowing surface waters are particularly contaminated by phosphate.

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